Prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. Ephesians 4:12

Paulie Ostrander has been working on cars his whole life. He loves working with his hands. He loves working with tools. And he loves telling the story of how the Mission changed his life.

Drugs were another lifelong habit for Paulie. For 37 years before coming to the Mission, he had been relying on his addictions to cover the shame of childhood abuse. "I was so fed up with my life I just wanted to die. In fact, I had tried many times to end it, but God didn't allow me to succeed.

"Getting arrested was one of the best things that happened to me because I started to realize that I desperately needed a way out of that lifestyle."

When Paulie was released, he headed for the Men's Shelter. Through counseling, Bible studies, responsibility and accountability in the recovery program, Paulie got clean and sober, and old wounds started to heal. "Something miraculous happened. I can honestly say I have not had the desire or urge to use drugs again."

He was ready to give back, but how? Paulie hated sitting behind a desk, so he started doing oil changes and tune-ups on Mission vehicles. About the same time, the Mission began accepting donations of used vehicles and opened God's Garage. Paulie joined the garage as an intern. He picked up cars, detailed them, and sold them -- loving every minute. Four years later, Paulie is still picking up donated cars, and his favorite part? "Hands down -- telling people my story and what the Mission has done for me."